Protoform

Protoforms are part of a Transformer's life cycle in many Transformers continuities.

Protoforms consist of an unspecified, free-flowing, metallic matter layered over basic robotic systems. In many continuities, a protoform is the first stage in a Transformer's life cycle. These protoforms only await a life-giving spark and the alt-form information necessary to transform them into fully functional, living Transformer beings. Often, protoform modes are used to transport Transformers on intergalactic journeys.

Protoforms are transported or stored in stasis lock, in which state they look like smooth, robotic humanoids (right). When not in stasis lock, protoforms are a roiling mass of liquid metal around their internal frame.<ref>Protoform states seen in "The Spark".</ref>

Japanese name: Prototype (Beast Wars), Cyberdrone (Car Robots)

Fiction

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Beast Wars cartoon

Protoforms are often contained within stasis pods and dropped into unexplored worlds. The Axalon carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons. When a protoform lands, it scans for compatible life-forms. When a suitable lifeform is found, the protoform is reformatted by hitherto unknown means.

Beast Wars II cartoon

Predacon protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of Gaea's past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the Autorollers.

The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have caused the protoforms to rust.

Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of Airazor and Tigatron in "Dawn of Future's Past", in which an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body.

Dreamwave Generation One comics

Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the Combaticons. Revelation (comic issue)

Robots in Disguise cartoon

Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, Scourge retained the ability to detect O-Parts.

A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. Megatron was able to use his Spark's energy to turn Autobot protoforms into malevolent entities. The Decepticons

Cybertron cartoon

Protoforms are established as the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by Primary programming.

Transformers (2007)

Protoforms in this continuity are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists down inside each robot. Protoforms are made of an ultra-dense, liquid metal material and are extremely hard to damage.

In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its transition form: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins trans-scanning for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. Transformers: The Movie Guide

"Protoform" is used as a term for the movieverse Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the self-regenerating molecular armor formed by the protoform.

Animated cartoon

My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!

According to Bumblebee, Megatron eats them for breakfast. Transform and Roll Out Also, Ratchet refers to Sari Sumdac as a protoform, suggesting that protoforms are an early stage in a Cybertronian's life cycle that is similar to childhood. Lost and Found Ironically, this would later turn out to be true, indicating that Transformers can become technorganic in Animated merely by transcanning an organic form.TransWarped Apparently, different Transformers could also be created by the same protoform templates, a fact that could explain similarities in body form and transformation schemes (or, in real life terms, retools and redecos.) Autoboot Camp

A large number of protoforms were in the care of Yoketron, either to be Cybertron's next generation or a last-resort if Project Omega failed. Lockdown went on to attack and steal most of them. Five Servos of Doom

Somehow, one ended up in Isaac Sumdac's lab and turned into Sari.TransWarped

"Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". The word "protoformed" has been used, presumably in reference to a protoform's coming into existence.

Toys

Toys representing transitional protoform modes have been made for several characters from the live-action Movie universe:

Transformers (2007)

File:Movie ProtoformOptimusPrime toy.jpg

Munkytruck feet!

Protoform Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Optimus Prime's pre-Earth body in IDW Publishing's Transformers movie prequel comics.

Protoform Starscream (Deluxe, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Starscream's pre-Earth body in IDW's Transformers movie prequel comics.

Trans Scanning Bumblebee (2008)
Trans Scanning Optimus Prime (2008)

Both Trans-Scanning Bumblebee and Optimus Prime feature a highly articulated protoform robot mode that can transform into its comet-like transition mode. Snap-on armour based on their Earth robot and vehicle modes represent the character after they have trans-scanned a vehicle.

Robot Heroes

Robot Heroes Protoform Autobot Jazz vs. Decepticon Brawl

Notes

A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?"<ref>"Black Horizon Part 1", G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Volume 4</ref>

Optimus Prime's Cybertronian form depicted in Transformers comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.

Footnotes

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Protoform

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